WestCoast Racing welcomes Kevin Gleason back as the TCR International Series closes in on the sharp end of the season in Singapore (16-18 September) and Malaysia (1-2 October).
Gleason made an instant impact during his maiden season in the newly-established TCR International Series, as the American racer quickly set himself out as a race winner and a consistent podium threat as one third of Sweden’s WestCoast Racing’s attack.
He returned for a second run at the TCR International title in 2016 until he had to withdraw from the championship after three challenging rounds on unfamiliar territory in Bahrain, Portugal and Belgium, but WestCoast Racing is delighted to confirm that the American will make a welcome comeback to the team’s ranks in Singapore and Malaysia.
The TCR International Series takes up its coveted slot on the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix support bill this weekend (17-18 September) and Gleason’s previous form as a race winner on the floodlit Marina Bay street track suggests he will be potent on his TCR return.
“Unfortunately, it has been a while since I competed in a TCR event and that has been frustrating, but I am really excited and thankful to be back,” said Gleason. “Luckily I have managed to drive in two 24-hour races, which has helped keep me sharp; although it is a very different approach to a touring car race, you are still driving flat out.
“The first three rounds of the 2016 TCR International season were unfortunately held on all tracks that were completely new to me, so I had a lot of learning to do. Going back to Singapore will be nice because I have raced there before and I also achieved my second TCR International race win there in 2015. Marina Bay is a fantastic street track and, while it is a very different layout to my last event at Spa, both tracks take a tremendous amount of commitment to lay down a good lap and that’s what I really enjoy.”
Gleason continued: “I can’t wait to re-join everyone at WestCoast Racing and get back on track in Singapore. It is a really special event to be a part of, and being able to race at such a unique venue during the hours of darkness and in front of thousands of Formula 1 fans is incredible. I am certainly aiming for a repeat performance of last season’s victory.”
WestCoast Racing Team Manager, James Nixon, said: “We are hugely excited to have Kevin Gleason back in the car. His win in Singapore was one of the best victories of last year and I know he and his crew are ready to repeat that again this time around.
“We are very impressed by Kevin’s maturity and dedication. Having to step down earlier in the year was tough for him, but not giving up, working hard and coming back to the series with us is a sign of this guy’s determination to succeed. And we are positive he will. The aim is the same as always – to win.”